2018 Riverdale Share Performers

Your Host – Mike Tanner

Mike sings and plays guitar with local stalwarts the Circumstantialists, regularly rehabbing the dregs of last century’s pop catalogue. He is the City of Toronto’s Music Sector Development Officer. @abbottheleme

Spraoi

In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced “Spree”.A collection of musicians who bring their various talents to the table resulting in a unique blend of traditional Irish/Canadian and European sounds. Everyone has at least three other projects on the go including The East Pointers, The Chieftains, The Stepcrew, Tara Nova and The Carlos Nunez Band but we’re all brought together through the session at Dora Keogh’s on a Thursday night. There alter ego, the “Cabbagetown Ceili Band”, play wedding ceilis and dances across Southern Ontario and into upstate New York. On any given night you’ll find a button accordion, fiddle, piano or guitar, bodhran, banjo and flute laying down the tunes. With founding accordionist Pat Simmonds at the helm, Sproai continue bringing the best of the Irish tradition to Canadian audiences.  spraoi.ca

Jim Cuddy

Long-time Riverdale resident, Jim Cuddy, has written songs that have become indelible in the soundtrack of Canadian lives for over 35 years. With the release of his fourth solo album, Constellation, he adds ten songs to that extraordinary songbook. As one of the founding members and creative forces behind Blue Rodeo, Cuddy has received nearly every accolade Canada can bestow upon a musician, from the Order of Canada and induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, to countless JUNO Awards and a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Behind it all, is a simple devotion to his craft as a songwriter, which remains Cuddy’s tireless pursuit after more than three decades. jimcuddy.com

Lorraine Segato

For the past 40 years Lorraine Segato has fueled an impressive artistic career that’s produced some excellent and edgy cultural work. Her extensive experience as Singer- Songwriter, Artistic Director, Filmmaker, and Social Justice Ambassador makes Segato one of Canada’s iconic recording artists and respected cultural commentators. Since the release of her CD Invincible Decency, she has also curated a Cultural Artifact Exhibit entitled QSW- The Rebel Zoneand is presently working on a new podcast series called Smolder. lorrainesagato.com

Julian Taylor

Toronto music scene staple and musical chameleon Julian Taylor is used to shaking it up. With his songs being placed in such TV shows as Haven, Private Eyes, Kim’s Convenience and Elementary, his versatility as a songwriter is signature; one minute he’s playing at the Horseshoe backed by his 8-piece band spilling out electrified rhythm and blues glory, and the next he’s featured at a folk festival delivering a captivating solo singer-songwriter set. As leader of the Julian Taylor Band he conjures soul music, blues, hard rock and thoughtful folky songs.  His band’s most recent recording; the critically acclaimed Desert Star is a testament to this versatile sound, arguably the real roots of what could be called the Toronto Sound.  It has the comfortability of an open mind, a wide palette and experienced and inspired musical talent. Beautifully blended soulful blues, rhythmic R&B, modern rock riffs and rootsy folk make the Toronto based, Julian Taylor Band (JTB) experience something worth putting your busy life on hold for; even if it is just for a few moments. juliantaylor.com

Whitehorse

Since their debut, JUNO Award winning duo Whitehorse has evolved from magnetic folk duo to full-blown rock band. In truth, Whitehorse is never fully either one or the other, but an ever-evolving creative partnership that challenges both artists to explore new instrumental and lyrical terrain with each project. This fall, Whitehorse returns to the early days of electric blues with new songs from The Northern South Vol. 2, the second instalment of the band’s deep dive into 1950s/1960s blues. The Northern South Vol. 2 will be released in full in January 2019. whitehorsemusic.ca

Kathryn Rose

Kathryn Rose is known for her artful brand of cinematic pop over the course of five solo albums, and as a top session vocalist/voice artist, in jingles, voiceovers, TV and film scores, and live and on the albums of countless other artists: Kinnie Starr, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Kevin Breit, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Melanie Doane, Patti Labelle, Sir Tom Jones, Anne Murray, Martin Fry (ABC), and Ian Thomas, and more. Kathryn is currently touring to perform with symphonies across North America, while planning her sixth solo album. 

Dirty Dishes

Dirty Dishes is a boot-stomping’, harmony-driven roots-trio featuring Suzy Wilde, Lisa Olafson and Alison Porter. They’ve got mud on their boots and cowgirl crinolines, with a little bit of charm and a whole lotta sass. For over a decade, they’ve been breaking hearts and soothing souls at clubs, fairs, festivals and events across Canada. They are currently at home in Toronto recording their fourth album at Canterbury Studios. dirty-dishes.ca

Jen Schaffer and the Shiners

Jen Schaffer and the Shiners hail from Riverdale, Toronto via Montreal, Hamburg, Calgary and the UK! They have been purveyors of original soulful folkrock music with lush harmonies and funky bass for ten year!  Jen Schaffer is the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist. She came to music via a stint as a public defender in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, where she gained a love of alt-country music and a heightened social conscience. Her self-penned works speak of love, struggle and injustice and are sharply focused through the lens of her own life journey.  The Shiners are Simon Law – drums, keyboards & producer; Astrid Foster – bass; John Teshima – guitars; and Jonathan Marks – violin. jenschaffer.ca

Bain & Bernard Comedy Company

Warren Bain and Matt Bernard are a Toronto comedic writing team. Their work is noted for its vaudeville and street performance influence, and they are known for drastic comedic overhauls of Shakespeare. Their work has been produced in Toronto, different cities in Ontario, and the United States. Since 2009 they have created a range of projects from full-scale theatrical productions, to multi-character immersive experiences for smaller events, to hosting a wedding or two. bainandbernard.com

Shella with Tim Bovaconti

The duo behind the band, Stella Panacci and Shelley Hamilton, blend country, roots, psychedelic pop and soul, with gorgeous vocal harmonies and melodies that pleasingly linger in the mind. In collaboration with one consummate guitar player, producer and fellow east ender, Tim Bovaconti, they recently released their debut album with an impressive kick-off party at The Hideout here in Toronto. shellamusic.ca

Blair Packham

On any given day, Blair Packham could be co-writing a song for his next album, or singing songs on a ship above the Arctic Circle, or playing a show on Camden Street in Dublin, or in Toronto co-hosting his radio show on Newstalk 1010, or teaching a class in songwriting at Seneca College, or leading a session at SongStudio – his annual songwriting workshop at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In the 80s, he was best known as the lead singer for The Jitters, the power pop band that enjoyed Top Ten success in Canada. Thirty years later, Blair’s songs are still heard on the radio from coast-to-coast. He’s a natural storyteller, and like his songs, his stories are often funny, and sometimes heartbreaking. Blair treasures his time on stage, whether solo or with his acoustic trio, The Impossible Dream. Currently, Blair is planning the band’s debut album, and working on new recordings of some very interesting collaborations. blairpackham.com

Arlene Bishop

Following the creation of the live album ‘Together Tonight’, performing songwriter Arlene Bishop is working on a new secret project. The beloved live album released in 2018 featured her Spirit of Adventure vorchestra of 31 live singers and a crack band. Joining her on stage for Riverdale Share are: Yawd Sylvester, Jane Harbury, Joanne Ingrassia, Beverly Kreller, Howard Druckman and Nanci Jandrisits. Arlene’s new secret project will combine her signature dark songs, funny banter, deep wit, and big heart, with the humble – yet totally attainable – goal of saving the world. arlenebishop.com

SHAK SHAK

SHAK SHAK reinterprets Caribbean folk songs, giving them a new twist, plus creates its own original Caribbean Acoustic sound. That sound draws inspiration from a wide variety of traditional genres, such as early calypso or kaiso, Bajan tukband and string band music, French creole belt tradition, Orisha religious chants and songs from saracaor “big drum” traditions.  SHAK SHAK’s rootsy renditions of classic calypso songs give listeners an historical context to appreciate the exotic and rich folk traditions that influenced and shaped this popular Caribbean music.  SHAK SHAK has 2 CDs: “Hot So” and“Shak Shak Party”.

The Withrow Junior Choir

Comprised of 35 students from Grades 4 to 6, the Withrow Junior Choir has a long and rich history of excellence in performance at Kiwanis and the TDSB’s annual concert at Massey Hall. More importantly to us, we perform with our other school ensembles, raise money for Regent Park School of Music by participating in Music Monday, and share our music with the patients at Bridgepoint Hospital. We love to sing – we work hard – and we are devoted to giving back to our community.

The Eastview Children’s Dance Group

The Eastview Children’s Dance Group was formed in 1996. Their instructor, Du Li, was a professional dancer and leading member of her troupe in her hometown (Shaanxi, China). Our young performers are between the ages of 4 and 8 and most have been training since they were 4 years old. They embody the spirit of Chinese folk dancing, captivating audiences with their traditional costumes and vibrant energy.

Torrent Productions

Torrent Productions is a professional east-end theatre company dedicated to creating, developing and producing musical theatre for the whole family. They produce a popular, annual, holiday pantomime at the Royal Canadian Legion 1/42 on Coxwell at Gerrard for their community. The 3rd Annual Panto, CINDERELLA – A Merry Magical Pantomime, is running from December 21^stto 30th. #cinderellaatgerrardandcoxwella #gerrardandcoxwell #EastEndLove #Ilovepanto  www.torrentproductions.com

The Riverdale Share Band

Tom Leighton – Musical Arranger, Piano

Tom is back once again with the goal of keeping this amazing house band busy by providing new arrangements for each act. It’s a pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful creative team, not to mention the fantastically high calibre of each of the musicians involved.  Tom performs with long time recording partner Mark Haines as well as Anne Lederman, Marie Lynn Hammond and with his multi-talented partner Conrad Kipping.  Tom has a solo CD of orchestrated instrumentals titled Leighton Tendencies and a new instrumental collection titled “Leighton LIFE” .  www.tomleighton.ca

Steve Briggs – Musical Director, Band Leader, Guitar

Steve has played in the Riverdale Share band for many years and joined the artistic team in 2004.  He is an accomplished freelance guitar player and bandleader of the popular western swing band the Bebop Cowboys Swing-a-Billy Orchestra.  As a music instructor, he is the Director of Kitchen Music Studios in Riverdale with his wife Kristin, in addition to teaching at Seneca@York.  He has been featured as “Best Guitar Instructor” in Toronto Life Magazine and has released two instructional CDs. kitchenmusicstudios.com

Russ Boswell – Bass

Russ Boswell has toured extensively with David Wilcox, Corey Hart, Colm Wilkinson, Seals and Crofts, Ian Thomas, Marc Jordan, The Parachute Club, Holly Cole and many more. He can be heard on numerous recordings including: Serena Ryder, David Wilcox, Corey Hart, Charlie Major, The Rankin Family, Russell deCarle, Harry Manx,  Colm Wilkinson to name a few. Theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hair!, Rent, Hairspray, Dirty Dancing, Rock of Ages and Kinky Boots. Russ is a fixture of the Riverdale Share Concert, having missed only two shows in its full 26-year history. www.russboswell.com

Danny Greenspoon – Guitar

Danny is a multi-platinum, award winning record producer, recording engineer and guitar player.  He has produced over fifty albums, including Great Big Sea, Ian Tyson, Colm Wilkinson, Sophie Milman, Jane Bunnett and Spirit of the West, that have garnered 4 Juno Awards and seven EMCAs.  As a guitarist he has performed with Murray McLauchlan, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Sylvia Tyson and The Great Speckled Bird, and The Romaniacs.www.theaudiotruck.com/CreditsBio.html

Wendell Ferguson – Guitar

Wendell Ferguson’s never worked a day in his life. He just plays the guitar. He’s won “Guitar Player of the Year” six years in a row at the Canadian Country Music Awards. His CD; “Wendell Live: The $#!T Hits the Fans” was nominated for the CCMA Album of the Year. His “Menage a Moi” won the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Solo Instrumental. In 2014, Wendell was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. www.wendellferguson.com.

Patrick Hornsby – Piano

Patrick lives in Riverdale with his wife Karen and son Dexter.  He works as a teacher for the TDSB and teaches private piano lessons at his home.  He has performed at the Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax jazz festivals and has recorded for CBC Maritimes. Today he is also replaces Steve Briggs as bandleader while Steve tours with Quartet.

Bruce Moffett – Drums

Bruce is the one constant in all the years of The Share House Band.  At the time of the first Share concert Bruce was a full time member of award winning country band Prairie Oyster, as well as playing with Mary Margaret O’Hara, Corey Hart, Tom Cochrane, Allana Myles and many more.  Bruce now also spends his time running Cherry Jam Rehearsal Studios and PRB his company that provides rental equipment to musicians. cherryjamrehearsal.co

John McLeod – Trumpet

John MacLeod has led a distinguished career spanning 40 years on the Canadian music scene. His first major national and international exposure was as a soloist with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, beginning in 1983. His playing can be heard on many Boss Brass albums including 2 Grammy Award winners.  As a composer and arranger he has scored music for everything from string quartets up to full symphonic orchestra. His big band arrangements can be found in the repertoires of professional and student groups all over Canada, the U.S.A.  Europe and Asia. He has also completed several orchestral projects which he has conducted at Roy Thompson Hall and the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City.  John’s big band The Rex Hotel Orchestra has recorded 3 CDs; their debut album OUR FIRST SET was awarded a Juno for the best jazz album of year 2011. John is also active as an educator, teaching at both U of T, and Humber College.

Scott Marshall – Saxophone

Toronto–based saxophonist, composer, and arranger Scott Marshall is highly sought-after for his skills within the jazz community, film and television world, and Toronto music scene. Scott’s compositions have been featured on his own releases: The Scott Marshall Trio Face It, The Scott Marshall Quartet Nine Moments of Time and Vignettes. He also co-produced and arranged all the music for singer Lyne Tremblay’s CD Break and Enter. In addition to recording he has performed with a lengthy and diverse list of accomplished musicians including: Norah Jones, Johnny Mathus, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Shuffle Demons, and the Juno-winning big-band NOJO, not to mention Wynton Marsalis stopping by to sit in with his quartet.  scottdouglasmarshall.com

Gord Meyers – Trombone

Gord has made his living as a freelance trombonist and teacher since 1975. He has worked in numerous theatre orchestras including such productions as Crazy For You, Ragtime, The Lion King, The Producers and Dirty Dancing as well as R&B bands, recording sessions and jazz festival stages. He Has also enjoyed stints with the Charlottetown and Shaw Festival orchestras. Gord teaches at York University and has enjoyed being a member of the Riverdale Share horn section for many years.

Jonathan Marks – Violin

Jonathan Marks is a classically-trained violinist and a founding member of the Club Django Sextet of Toronto.  “He’s a little young to pass for violin legend Stephane Grappelli, but Jonathan Marks has a good handle on how to swing and how to deliver sweet melodies” (Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star).  Jonathan performs regularly with several groups in Toronto, playing styles which include traditional jazz, musette,and folk/roots. Today he’ll also being play with Jen Schaffer and the Shiners.

Anne Lindsay – Violin

Award-winning violinist Anne Lindsay has established herself as one of the most engaging and versatile instrumentalists in Canada, adapting her unique violin/fiddle style to the eclectic sounds and musical languages of this country’s rich cultural texture. In addition to being an artist in her own right, she has also performed with The Chieftains, Led Zeppelin, Roger Daltry, Jim Cuddy, Dionne Warwick and Natalie McMaster among many others. She is also an accomplished composer and arranger for documentary film, stage, CDs and radio / TV.

Shelley Coppersmith – Violin

Since 1970s Shelley has toured/recorded on fiddle/violin, mandolins, guitar and vocals with such artists as Sylvia Tyson, Tamarack/Alex Sinclair, Cameron Family Singers, Donné Roberts, Kyp Harness, Mr Rick’s Tin Pan Jazz Band, Michelle Rumball among many others. She can most recently be found performing in and around the city with Chris Staig and The Marquee Players.